Saint Stev:-0

I don't see a list of excuses in the bible to not follow God's command. Sorry. Anyhow Paul talked about Faith with works also. Here's the scriptures to show. Ahh.. Abraham not justified by works but by faith only. Romans 4 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. I agree with this scripture. The problem with doctrines doctrines is they ignore verse 1 of Romans 4. Romans 4:1 1 WHAT shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? Notice Paul starts out as pertaining to the flesh. Paul is referring to works according to flesh. He is not against works of faith. Here's where your doctrine is incorrect. Read Romans 4:12. Romans 4:12 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Paul explains that we are to walk on the steps of faith. Walking in the steps is an action meaning its a work. Therefore Abraham had works of faith. He did not have works of the flesh.

Good morning , Jesus said , the words i speak are Spirit , everything that has to do with our salvation is Spirit , if he speaks about water he does not refer to natural water , but spiritual water , Jesus said John 15 :3 already you are clean through the word i have spoken to you: one could draw the conclusion that the water Jesus refers to is the Word : we are born again when we declare our faith in him , we die since he died , we are raised again since he was raised ,that is to say we are baptised into his death through the word , not by the putting away of the filth of the flesh as Peter puts it "the word he spoke was spirit and life" Water baptism is an ever ongoing debate , the origin of this cannot be the word , because out of a fountain we cannot have both good water and bad water at the same time , if I can use the word of God to support a claim and someone else use the same word to support his claim , it is our understanding of the bible text that is incomplete ,if water baptism had been necessary for our salvation it would have been made perfectly clear in the bible , The salvation is Gods own , it would not have been a salvation if God had left any part of it to humans , we cannot even agree how it should be performed ,sprinkling , poring , or total immersion , Landers The first part of Jesus blood and water shows that 1John 5:8 the Water, Blood and spirit agree in 1. The blood is shed for us, the water to show baptism in his name, his spirit poured into us like the day of Pentecost. Without shedding of Jesus blood, there's no remission (Heb. 9:22). Jesus does tell his disciples they're clean by his word in John 15:3. Jesus explains the whole time Jesus explains he's the branch and how the branch bears fruit. How are they clean by his word? We have to read Line upon Line (Isaiah 28:9-13). If you keep reading in the same chapter Jesus explains how they're clean. They abide in his Word. Now let's read. John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. To take a verse and cancel out Jesus commands is wrong. They're washed because they followed his word spiritually speaking. I could take Jesus words on the cross and say it is finished and tell you that you don't have to repent or even read his word. Which you would agree that's wrong for me to do. Baptism is necessary, Ananias told Paul to wash away his sins baptism acts 22:16 Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. This is the same as your parent telling you the words after playing in the dirt, go take a shower and wash away the dirt. Therefore you're saying Ananias is wrong for baptizing Paul by your statement. Baptism is necessary. Peter explains this in Acts 2:38 Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is done by fully submerged in the water. There's no example of sprinkle and there's no baptism done in father, son & HG. Just Jesus name only. that's right there is no example of how water baptism is to be carried out ,you need to understand that baptism is spiritual , it is the Spirit working in you both death and life ,for a believer to be baptised , God must call him first ,when you with your mouth declare the Son of God to be your saviour you are baptised through the holy Spirit , John the baptist said , i baptise with water but there is one coming after me who will baptise with the holy Spirit and fire ,, the thief on the cross was nowhere near any water baptism ,water baptism is a remnant from the old testament time when they needed to ritually purify themselves for all manner of reasons ,, Landers LoL. I like how you changed my words. I'll repeat, there is no example of baptism stating the word father, son, HG in the bible. Now to say there's no example of baptism done carried out in the bible is false. Are you saying Paul was not baptized? Are you saying Philip did not baptize the Eunuch? Are you saying Cornelius the First Gentile was not baptized? You've also said the thief on the Cross was not baptized. I disagree with you on that. Scripture tells us other wise. Praise the Lord! I just want to point something out here about thief on the cross. People say that he was not baptize. I beg to differ. (Luke 23:39-43) U have 2 different personalities here happening. 1 knew about the Kingdom and the other didn't. The word kingdom is very important here. (Matt. 3:5-6, Mark 1:5) Records that all around Region was baptized and the Kingdom of Heaven was preached by John the Bapt. Question, how would the thief know about the kingdom if not for John? Luke 1:76-77 records Zachariah (Johns father) stating that John Baptist will give knowledge of salvation. Which is baptism unto repentance. You've also said when you call Jesus name you receive the Holy Ghost. Please show scripture stating this. Also how does one know they receive the Holy Ghost? simply Baptism occurs after belief in Christ Ac 19:4-7 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all. NKJV Mk 16:16 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. NKJV So the whole of your point is made mute by the order set forth by God.... believe then baptized! Love, Steven I agree 1 must believe and be baptized. If you never get baptized, did you really believe? James asked this same question about Abraham James 2:21-24 g James Version (KJV) 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

I agree. We did nothing to earn salvation. Jesus explain how we receive the Gift. The Gift is a 2 party system. First party is the giver and second is receiver. Example: When you open a checking account and the banker says here's this free toaster as our gift to you. You have the option to say, "No, that's OK I have 1 at home already." We have to works of faith. Just like James said. Show me your faith without works and I'll show you my faith by my works. James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Jesus is God and he works through man. That's why he said to John for him to baptize him. If you take the gift then go through the process of Acts 2:38 my friend like Peter commanded you to . ; ) Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Good morning , Jesus said , the words i speak are Spirit , everything that has to do with our salvation is Spirit , if he speaks about water he does not refer to natural water , but spiritual water , Jesus said John 15 :3 already you are clean through the word i have spoken to you: one could draw the conclusion that the water Jesus refers to is the Word : we are born again when we declare our faith in him , we die since he died , we are raised again since he was raised ,that is to say we are baptised into his death through the word , not by the putting away of the filth of the flesh as Peter puts it "the word he spoke was spirit and life" Water baptism is an ever ongoing debate , the origin of this cannot be the word , because out of a fountain we cannot have both good water and bad water at the same time , if I can use the word of God to support a claim and someone else use the same word to support his claim , it is our understanding of the bible text that is incomplete ,if water baptism had been necessary for our salvation it would have been made perfectly clear in the bible , The salvation is Gods own , it would not have been a salvation if God had left any part of it to humans , we cannot even agree how it should be performed ,sprinkling , poring , or total immersion , Landers The first part of Jesus blood and water shows that 1John 5:8 the Water, Blood and spirit agree in 1. The blood is shed for us, the water to show baptism in his name, his spirit poured into us like the day of Pentecost. Without shedding of Jesus blood, there's no remission (Heb. 9:22). Jesus does tell his disciples they're clean by his word in John 15:3. Jesus explains the whole time Jesus explains he's the branch and how the branch bears fruit. How are they clean by his word? We have to read Line upon Line (Isaiah 28:9-13). If you keep reading in the same chapter Jesus explains how they're clean. They abide in his Word. Now let's read. John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. To take a verse and cancel out Jesus commands is wrong. They're washed because they followed his word spiritually speaking. I could take Jesus words on the cross and say it is finished and tell you that you don't have to repent or even read his word. Which you would agree that's wrong for me to do. Baptism is necessary, Ananias told Paul to wash away his sins baptism acts 22:16 Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. This is the same as your parent telling you the words after playing in the dirt, go take a shower and wash away the dirt. Therefore you're saying Ananias is wrong for baptizing Paul by your statement. Baptism is necessary. Peter explains this in Acts 2:38 Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is done by fully submerged in the water. There's no example of sprinkle and there's no baptism done in father, son & HG. Just Jesus name only. that's right there is no example of how water baptism is to be carried out ,you need to understand that baptism is spiritual , it is the Spirit working in you both death and life ,for a believer to be baptised , God must call him first ,when you with your mouth declare the Son of God to be your saviour you are baptised through the holy Spirit , John the baptist said , i baptise with water but there is one coming after me who will baptise with the holy Spirit and fire ,, the thief on the cross was nowhere near any water baptism ,water baptism is a remnant from the old testament time when they needed to ritually purify themselves for all manner of reasons ,, Landers LoL. I like how you changed my words. I'll repeat, there is no example of baptism stating the word father, son, HG in the bible. Now to say there's no example of baptism done carried out in the bible is false. Are you saying Paul was not baptized? Are you saying Philip did not baptize the Eunuch? Are you saying Cornelius the First Gentile was not baptized? You've also said the thief on the Cross was not baptized. I disagree with you on that. Scripture tells us other wise. Praise the Lord! I just want to point something out here about thief on the cross. People say that he was not baptize. I beg to differ. (Luke 23:39-43) U have 2 different personalities here happening. 1 knew about the Kingdom and the other didn't. The word kingdom is very important here. (Matt. 3:5-6, Mark 1:5) Records that all around Region was baptized and the Kingdom of Heaven was preached by John the Bapt. Question, how would the thief know about the kingdom if not for John? Luke 1:76-77 records Zachariah (Johns father) stating that John Baptist will give knowledge of salvation. Which is baptism unto repentance. You've also said when you call Jesus name you receive the Holy Ghost. Please show scripture stating this. Also how does one know they receive the Holy Ghost?

Good morning , Jesus said , the words i speak are Spirit , everything that has to do with our salvation is Spirit , if he speaks about water he does not refer to natural water , but spiritual water , Jesus said John 15 :3 already you are clean through the word i have spoken to you: one could draw the conclusion that the water Jesus refers to is the Word : we are born again when we declare our faith in him , we die since he died , we are raised again since he was raised ,that is to say we are baptised into his death through the word , not by the putting away of the filth of the flesh as Peter puts it "the word he spoke was spirit and life" Water baptism is an ever ongoing debate , the origin of this cannot be the word , because out of a fountain we cannot have both good water and bad water at the same time , if I can use the word of God to support a claim and someone else use the same word to support his claim , it is our understanding of the bible text that is incomplete ,if water baptism had been necessary for our salvation it would have been made perfectly clear in the bible , The salvation is Gods own , it would not have been a salvation if God had left any part of it to humans , we cannot even agree how it should be performed ,sprinkling , poring , or total immersion , Landers The first part of Jesus blood and water shows that 1John 5:8 the Water, Blood and spirit agree in 1. The blood is shed for us, the water to show baptism in his name, his spirit poured into us like the day of Pentecost. Without shedding of Jesus blood, there's no remission (Heb. 9:22). Jesus does tell his disciples they're clean by his word in John 15:3. Jesus explains the whole time Jesus explains he's the branch and how the branch bears fruit. How are they clean by his word? We have to read Line upon Line (Isaiah 28:9-13). If you keep reading in the same chapter Jesus explains how they're clean. They abide in his Word. Now let's read. John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. To take a verse and cancel out Jesus commands is wrong. They're washed because they followed his word spiritually speaking. I could take Jesus words on the cross and say it is finished and tell you that you don't have to repent or even read his word. Which you would agree that's wrong for me to do. Baptism is necessary, Ananias told Paul to wash away his sins baptism acts 22:16 Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. This is the same as your parent telling you the words after playing in the dirt, go take a shower and wash away the dirt. Therefore you're saying Ananias is wrong for baptizing Paul by your statement. Baptism is necessary. Peter explains this in Acts 2:38 Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is done by fully submerged in the water. There's no example of sprinkle and there's no baptism done in father, son & HG. Just Jesus name only.

Yes. According to scripture. We must obey the Gospel according 2Thessa. 1:8. 2Thessalonians 1:8 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: What is the Gospel? Death,burial, and resurrection 1Corinthians 15:1-4 15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: How do we obey death, burial, and resurrection? Romans 6:1-8 6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: How do we sum all this into 1 salvation? Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. God bless : )

So often this verse is is misunderstood. Baptism is a result of being saved, not the avenue of salvation. It it was, Christ would of included baptism in His statement of being dammed. He did not. His words were "but he that believeth not shall be damned" ... no mention of baptism at all. Your explanation is false. Here's why. Jesus stated he who believes and is baptized is saved. Question. Who states I do not believe in the Gospel but I will be baptized? No one. So this shows Jesus would not need to repeat the actual word baptism in the second line of Mark 16:16. Why? Being baptized without believing is pointless all on it's own. You are right. Nobody who does not believe in Christ and accept His salvation would ever want to be baptized. Yet, that does not mean baptism is required for salvation. Man has read this verse, and a few others, and have connected dots that are not there. Otherwise, if what you say is true, then Acts 16:31 is a lie "So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”", along with Romans 10:8-10 "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Baptism is a result of salvation, not the means to salvation. Lets look at Acts 16:31. Paul obviously knew baptism was a necessity because the whole household got baptized. This proves when Paul says the word believe that it means a summary of salvation. Acts 16 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Now onto Romans Road to salvation. Romans 10:9 Paul says confess with mouth The Lord Jesus and believe God raised him. Now lets read verse 10 where Paul elaborates on 10:9. Romans 10 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. What is righteousness? It says to believe unto righteousness. Merriam Webster defines righteousness - acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin Key words are Act and law. Law is a command. When Jesus gave a command like Mark 16:16. We need to follow the command if we love Jesus (John 14:5). So what is the summary here we believe unto righteousness meaning we follow the divine command and we mouth confess meaning repentance. Also romans 10 was preached to already baptized brothers because Paul starts out in Romans 10:1 saying brethren. Meaning already baptized in Jesus name. How do we know? Read back 4 chapters before in Romans 6:1-8 and Paul explains. So in the end. You have to be baptized in Jesus name for salvation. : )

I agree it's all part of washing away your sins.

Praise the Lord! I just want to? point something out here about thief on the cross. People say that he was not baptize. I beg to differ. (Luke 23:39-43) U have 2 different personalities here happening. 1 knew about the Kingdom and the other didn't. The word kingdom is very important here. (Matt. 3:5-6, Mark 1:5) Records that all around Region was baptized and the Kingdom of Heaven was preached by John the Bapt. Question, how would the thief know about the kingdom if not for John? Luke 1:76-77 records Zachariah (Johns father) stating that John Baptist will give knowledge of salvation. Which is baptism unto repentance. He knew about the Kingdom because that is all Jesus preached about. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. That was the primary feature of Jesus' teaching. It is not farfectched to think that he might have been present at some of Jesus' teachings. John's baptism was not Christian baptism and would not apply to the issue of whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. Your statement is incorrect. Here's why. Jesus disciples baptized people unto repentance. Why? because it was nescessary. John 4:1-2 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

So often this verse is is misunderstood. Baptism is a result of being saved, not the avenue of salvation. It it was, Christ would of included baptism in His statement of being dammed. He did not. His words were "but he that believeth not shall be damned" ... no mention of baptism at all. Your explanation is false. Here's why. Jesus stated he who believes and is baptized is saved. Question. Who states I do not believe in the Gospel but I will be baptized? No one. So this shows Jesus would not need to repeat the actual word baptism in the second line of Mark 16:16. Why? Being baptized without believing is pointless all on it's own.

The first part of Jesus blood and water shows that 1John 5:8 the Water, Blood and spirit agree in 1. The blood is shed for us, the water to show baptism in his name, his spirit poured into us like the day of Pentecost. Without shedding of Jesus blood, there's no remission (Heb. 9:22). Jesus does tell his disciples they're clean by his word in John 15:3. Jesus explains the whole time Jesus explains he's the branch and how the branch bears fruit. How are they clean by his word? We have to read Line upon Line (Isaiah 28:9-13). If you keep reading in the same chapter Jesus explains how they're clean. They abide in his Word. Now let's read. John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. Your trying to form to meanings of the word wash. When you read Acts 22:16 Ananias states arise be baptized and wash away your sins. He's clearly referring to Acts 2:38 in being baptized and filled with the holy ghost. Your explanation doesn't fit into Acts 22:16. Ananias didn't state your washed by the word but he's showing they're washed by the word meaning command. Judas had sin because of his lust of money clearly shown in scriptures. Therefore makes him unclean. The disciples are washed by Jesus word because they follow his command. Also Ananias was right in Acts 22;16 baptism washing away sins. Jesus said for the remission of sins preached in his name (Luke 24:47). Peter stated remission of sins in Acts 2:38. Baptism is the first cleansing of remission of all your sins. Yes, I agree we must die daily in repentance to prayer. Baptism necessary, Yes. I ask you how do you bury yourself with Jesus? Also Jesus stated the command in Mark 16:16

In the OT, there was an immersion / ritual bath in the law which is called the 'mikvah'. Since this is a part of the law, what John the Baptist was doing was not a foreign thing to the people. The immersion was to be done in 'living water' or water which was 'moving' or its source was from moving water. There are a lot of varying reasons a person was required by law to go to the 'mikvah'. If a person had a skin lesion which was leperous (dead skin and flesh), a priest would check it and declare it leprous. If the status changed, and it was no longer leprous, after a waiting period and a second check, the person would go to immerse themselves, and after the immersion would be able to enter the assembly of Israel. The immersion did not cure the person but when the Priest recognized the person as clean/cured it was the final step before re-entering the assembly. So, in my view, a baptism does not 'clean' the person as that is Jesus alone. A baptism does several things. It is symbolic of what has occurred. It is a time when a member of the assembly recognizes the person is clean by the work of Jesus and agrees to immerse them. It is a time for the assembly to recognize the person as clean, a brother, and a member of the assembly. And finally, it is a time when the person who has been saved/cleaned, pronounces publically their faith, 'believe in their heart and confess with their mouth'. In the early church, Christianity was outlawed by the Roman government. It was known that Christians often baptised new believers in the Jordan or other rivers or lakes. So, there were at times spies who would watch and turn the new believers into Rome which would result in the new believers death. In order to save peoples lives the baptism was moved indoors and sprinkling or pouring was practiced and viewed as acceptable, for the sake of the safety of the new believer. The same kind of practice is in Judaism. It going to the Mikvah could be life threatening, another method was found, or if it was a matter of health and well being, the mikvah could be delayed or simply not practiced. Life and safety come first as this practice is not necessary for salvation. I don't believe I agree with your post on Christian baptism meaning. It represents that we are buried with Jesus and raised like him. Romans 6:1-8 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

1 am saying that it is a sacrament like Christening or dedication or infant baptism. Is it necessary -no- but the acceptance of Jesus sacrifice for our sin and the infilling of the Holy Spirit now that we are not under the law is all sufficient. Water immersion is a sacrament - am I not correct? Just the same as a wedding, communion or infant baptism ? Do you realize you're teaching that all mentions of baptism in the Word can be ignored? If natural childbirth takes the place of immersion baptism, that would mean that God forces baptism on everyone. It also means that every mention of baptism, other than baptism of the Holy Spirit, is redundant. They're just empty words and phrases that mean absolutely nothing. You're taking away and adding things to the bible to suit your own belief's. Jesus was baptised and regardless if it was full immersion or just a sprinkling, you're saying it isn't necessary because we were all baptised at birth. Your own belief that sprinkling is all that is needed is also redundant if natural childbirth takes the place of full immersion baptism. You're teaching something here that isn't biblical. Where do you see that I am saying that all mention of baptism should be ignored? I have not indicated that anywhere! I am saying that the water and the blood that flowed from Jesus side is what cleanses me. That is all the cleansing I need for my sin. I do not have to go through any other ceremony because it was done once for all. We do infant baptism a ceremony/sacrament which you do not agree with and that is fine with me but do not insist that immersion is necessary because all was done on the cross for me and I need not add to what Jesus did on the cross. Did He not say 'It is done!' once for all? Your statement is false on baptism is not needed. Jesus gave the command in Mark 16:16 be baptized to be saved. There is no example of infant baptism in the bible. Jesus points out in John 3:5 if a man be born of the water, meaning someone with understanding. We all agree that a baby is not a person capable of receiving this choice. Mark 16:16 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

In reply to Jesus is Lords quote "Jesus of course answers: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (emphasis mine). This is a comparative statement...and in comparing "born of water" with "born of flesh is flesh"; I can only assume that Jesus is referring to the natural, physical birth of a human being in this portion. ***shrug***" My reply: The problem with what your stating is Jesus said if a MAN meaning somebody is already existing on earth be born of the water. I would agree with you if Jesus would of stated if an egg is fertilized and born of the water. That would make more since. Weird,but understanding. Also Jesus points out if a man be born. We do not have the will to be born but our parents place this will. So by our own will we get baptized and by our own will we except his spirit. God doesn't force his spirit upon anybody. He gives to who wants it. Wink ; )

Praise the Lord! I just want to? point something out here about thief on the cross. People say that he was not baptize. I beg to differ. (Luke 23:39-43) U have 2 different personalities here happening. 1 knew about the Kingdom and the other didn't. The word kingdom is very important here. (Matt. 3:5-6, Mark 1:5) Records that all around Region was baptized and the Kingdom of Heaven was preached by John the Bapt. Question, how would the thief know about the kingdom if not for John? Luke 1:76-77 records Zachariah (Johns father) stating that John Baptist will give knowledge of salvation. Which is baptism unto repentance. More is explained in this video link: *** Videos are to be posted in the Video Forum only. ***